Apr 7, 2008 10:15 pm US/Eastern
Study: 1 In 15 Children Victim Of Medication Error
Journal 'Pediatrics' says Overdoses, Mix-Ups, Allergic Reactions Frighteningly Common At Hospitals
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Hundreds of thousands of Americans are harmed every year by medication errors made at the hospital, but it's not just adults who face the brunt of the problem. A new study finds the issue is widespread among children.
The number is alarming: one out of every 15 children is the victim of a medication mix-up at the hospital, according to a new study in the journal "Pediatrics."
"This is the first publication that indicated that it's that level of harm," said Dr. Charles Homer of The National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality. "It's much greater than the previous studies have shown."
Recently, the newborn twins of actor Dennis Quaid were accidentally given an overdose of a common blood thinner. The new report shows overdoses, mix-ups, and allergic reaction are frighteningly common.
Most complications in the report were mild and none were fatal.
Researchers say changes should be made.
"Children of course come in many different sizes, so figuring out exactly what dose to give for what medication is very complicated," said Homer. "We rely on very antiquated systems of figuring it out by hand."
Homer said switching to electronic records could help hospitals cut down on errors and anticipate allergic reactions.
Parents can help too.
"They need to be informed, they need to know what medications are being given, they need to know why," said Homer.
Parents are encouraged to know their children's allergies and should look into having special bracelets made that would contain the information that may help keep a mistake from becoming a tragedy.
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